Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in a man’s testes. Men’s hormone levels drop 1 to 2% each year
after they reach the age of 40, that’s when it usually starts for the symptoms to manifest such as the decrease in libido, anemia, erectile dysfunction, and loss of physical energy.
That’s why testosterone tests are crucial not only in men’s physical fitness but also in diagnosing particular and serious medical conditions.
What is a testosterone test?
A testosterone test determines the testosterone level in your blood. This acts as a screening test that
measures the free and attached testosterone. Your doctor may request this test if your body is showing any signs of low or high testosterone.
The testosterone blood test exhibit:
• total testosterone which estimates both free and attached testosterone
• Free testosterone shows free testosterone only.
Keep in mind that only the T blood test shows the accurate free and total testosterone. The saliva T-test only determines the free testosterone level.
Furthermore, your physician may want to test your SHBG-bound testosterone and bioavailable testosterone because your treatment not only depends on your total testosterone which can be healthy at the time of your test but it also depends on the level of the subcategories which are the bioavailable and SHBG-bound T’s.
When should you get a testosterone test?
If ever you are experiencing any of these on the list visit your doctor to inquire if ever you need to take a T blood test because this test will not only help in determining the cause of what you have but the doctor could also monitor and prescribe you the proper medication.
Although, some doctors would recommend taking the T-test earlier in your 20s when your overall body activity is working perfectly to have a comparison in the future.
